SIP Airmate compressor.

[PaulMcElhinney]

Hello folks. I have bought a second hand, allegedly little used SIP Airmate Cirrus 34025 compressor. 25 litre tank. I am going to use it initially to drive a 3" cut off tool to cut sheet steel that I have an optimistic notion I might be able to beat into various exotic shapes. The compressor did not come with instructions and I have never used a compressor before. Can anyone advise where I could get a manual?

Regards,


Paul McElhinney
West Mids.

 

[rtbcomp]

The manuals used to be online, but the link has disappeared.

The golden rule is only switch it on and off with the knob on the pressure switch. Initially set the switch to "off", connect it to the mains and set the switch to "on".

Let it run until pressure builds up and then make sure it switches itself off at about 100psi with a short hiss.

Drain the tank at the end of each day (little tap underneath).

Try not to let it run for longer than a 50% duty cycle, ie 15 mins on, 15 mins off.

 

[pedrobedro]

I think you may be a bit optimistic about it's ability to run a cut off tool as well. You would be better advised to get an angle grinder with some slitting discs to do the job. I have a larger SIP which struggles to run a die grinder which is similar in consumption to a cut off tool.

 

[Robotstar5]

Does that model have oil in it? if so check the level and quality.

 

[PaulMcElhinney]

Thank you all. I'm disappointed to hear that it may not be able to run my cut off tool. I'll have a play with it later.

 

[PaulMcElhinney]

I have done as suggested by rb comp (thanks for your help.) The compressor does indeed run and pressurise. If I stand at the end of the compressor looking at it I have two brass unions. In between these is a red circular knob. Above them is a pressure gauge, one above each union.

Can anyone explain the function of these controls to me please? I have worked out the black on/off switch myself.

I have spotted the brass valve on the bottomof the tank. It has a knurled edge. Do I simply undo this after use to release any built up pressure?

Thanks,


Paul.

 

[PaulMcElhinney]

Well my air cut off tool requires 3 cfm so I'm optimistic. I popped to Halfords today and bought an airhose. I also bought the male and female quick release bayonet fittings. Got back full of enthusiasm then discovered that both the union on the compressor and hose were one quarter inch BSP so I clearly need some sort of union for there too.

 

[PaulMcElhinney]

Dear Pedrobedro,

Fair play you called it. The compressor charges to 80psi on the gauge. The cut off tool runs for abot 15 seconds before running out of air. Compressor then kicks in and charges up again etc. However that's no good, you can't do jobs 15 secs at a time then wait a minute etc.

I have received the manual from SIP and I am about to send their technical guys a whingeing e-mail. If anyone has any ideas in the meantime feel free to chip in.

Regards,


Paul.

 

[Dave H2]

Paul

The red knob is the outlet pressure regulator, you can have this set to full tank pressure or next to nothing by pulling in out slightly and twisting it left or right, 80 to 90psi is the usual airtool pressure. The motor cuts in when the tank pressure drops to what ever the black switch is internally set for.

With the motor running the pressure should be able to keep up with the airtool. One thing to bear in mind is that ALL quoted CFM figures are optimistic - compressor is a 12CFM (it would be if 100% efficient which it isn't, it's really 7.5cfm) the tool is 3CFM (thats average, it probably needs double that) So all in all it should keep up with the tool, but the motor will probably run constantly and given the small size of the tank thats pretty much guaranteeded anyway whatever you run from it so just let it get on with it.

BTW if you are cutting car gauge steel you'll find a big pair of Gilbows tinsnips faster, quieter, less frustrating and you can cut curves with them whereas the cutoff tool wont.

 

[Wedg1e]

I have spotted the brass valve on the bottomof the tank. It has a knurled edge. Do I simply undo this after use to release any built up pressure?

Thanks,


Paul.

That'll be the water drain. You're supposed to release it daily to allow water out... how many people are that religious I don't know

 

[PaulMcElhinney]

Thanks.

Dave, Wedgie, thanks for your replies.

Regards,

Paul.